Techung has just announced that his much awaited children's album, Senshae, will be officially released in Bloomington, Indiana (May 2010), in conjunction with His Holiness the Dalai Lama's visit. The first copy will be offered to His Holiness and will receive his blessing.
We this is so much more than a children's album. The message of Peace is its overriding principal, while the music is beautiful, incorporating exotic instruments like the hammered dulcimer and featuring children living in Nepal, the US and India.
We wish Techung La nothing but the best with this important album. We wish the album to make its way into Tibet so that the children there can feel there is still hope, that there is a place in the World for them to flourish and be happy.
A Good Day to Die - Documentary film poised for the film festival curcuit - March 2, 2010
"A Good Day to Die" is a hard hitting, no nonsense feature-length documentary film about Dennis Banks, one of the Co-Founders of the American Indian Movement (AIM). It was directed and produced by the incredible David Mueller and Lynn Salt. The couple followed Dennis around the USA and Japan for an entire year. They did all the production work - David shot it, Lynn recorded the sound and somehow they managed to direct and produce all at the same time!
AIM staged daring actions to raise awareness about some of the issues which afflict the indigenous peoples of what is today the USA.
One of these was the protest at the Breau of Indian Affairs (BIA, Nov. 3rd, 1972) in Washington DC. AIM members drove across the country and met at the BIA building to gain audience with those in charge. Instead, they were denied the audience and attacked by police.
This is an American story - the story of a person whose dream for freedom and equality was heard by the World, the story of a grass roots organization that changed a Nation.
To read more about Dennis Banks and the indigenous peoples of the USA, please follow this link:
"A Good Day to Die" will be hitting the film festival circuit very soon.
This was Michel Tyabji's first full on scoring job. Music is by Dennis Banks, Glen and Aurya Begay, Techung and Michel Tyabji. The film and trailer bothfeature live recordings of Techung and Lhasa Spirits at the Tibet Freedom Concert in Taipei (2008 - Kito Rodriguez on bass, Bryan Valesco on keys and Michel Tyabji on drums and percussion).
We hope to have a trailer to post and a web site up for the film very soon. Please check back.
Techung's Childrens Album - Semshae: Songs from the Heart - March 1, 2010
Semshae, which means “Songs from the Heart” in Tibetan, is a project to create a new audio recording of Tibetan children’s songs. Many individuals are aware of Tibetan Buddhism’s culture of compassion and nonviolence, but they may not be aware that the continued existence of Tibetan culture is seriously threatened. Through music, Semshae will be able to preserve and distribute a part of Tibet’s culture around the world. It will be beneficial for Tibetan children in Tibet and in exile, and for the Tibetan-speaking regions in the Himalayas such as Nepal, Bhutan, Ladakh and Sikkim who share the same Buddhist language.
We got a sneak preview of the album last week. As usual, Techung La performs well beyond expectations, weaving complex musical ideas into songs which are unusual, catchy and full of performances by children in Nepal, India and the USA.
If you can, please support this important project by following this link:
Heyraneh and Techung Music Video - February 8, 2010
Heyraneh, Techung and Michel & Rosa Tyabji have been working on "Promise to Freedom", a contemporary poem sung in Farsi and Tibetan. We think this may be one of the first times the Sufi and Tibetan musical traditions have come together. Points of intersection include the Dramnyen and Tanbur, both similar in design and timbre, both belonging to the lute family. Tantamount to the vocal styles of both the Sufi and Tibetan traditions is the praise of the beloved, the promise to freedom.
The video will be directed director Kevin Hamadani, whose film "Zombies of Mass Destruction" is distributed by Lions Gate.
We plan to go into production on the 19th of February 2010, and should have to video for ready by mid March 2010.
Please check back with us!
Dalai Lama Renaissance Sound Track Album - November 19, 2009
The Dalai Lama Renaissance album could not have been completed without the participation of some very special folks. We wish to express our sincere gratitude to those who gave their time and energy. We do not take it for granted. Please forgive us if we have not included your name here.
We thank His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama and Harrison Ford for being the inspiration for this album. For the fabulous graphic design and package creation, we send special thanks toAdil Tyabji; thanks go to Robert Tyabji for his photograph of the Himalayas and to Hootoksi Tyabji for her calm support. Our gratitude to Ann Horton and Fred Line, who listened and gave us encouragement when we needed it most. Thanks also go to Ann for organizing our performance at Yale University in 2008. Thanks to Granny, Boompa and Dadima for being shining examples. Many thanks to Terry Shaddick for his patience and advice. Finally, our deepest gratitude to Khashyar Darvich, David Mueller, Lynn Salt, Robert McFalls, Eric Babinec, Steven Ashley Wilson and the entire film production crew.
TECHUNG & LHASA SPRITS - LIVE AT CARNEGIE HALL VIDEO - March 5, 2009
The Tibet House Annual Benefit concert 2009 was held at Carnegie Hall on Feb. 3rd, 2009. Techung & Lhasa Spirits represented Tibetan music at the event. The line-up was fantastic, and included these performers: Philip Glass & the Scorchio String Quartet, Patti Smith, Steve Earle, Keb' Mo', Antibalas, Angelique Kidjo, Vampire Weekend, The National, Zack Glass, Jesse Smith, and the Monks of the Drepang Gomang Monastery.
TIBET HOUSE ANNUAL CONCERT EVENT - January 23, 2009
TIBET HOUSE 19th ANNUAL BENEFIT CONCERT 2009
Event Details
When: Tuesday, February 03, 2009 At 07:30 PM
Where: Carnegie Hall
Details: Evening Concert & Benefit Dinner
Presenter: Philip Glass & Friends
Type: Benefit Concert & Dinner
Register: For more information or to reserve tickets for the concert and reception call Tibet House U.S. at 212.807.0563.
To date confirmed artists include:
Antibalas
Steve Earle
Philip Glass & Zack Glass
Angelique Kidjo
Keb’ Mo’
The National
Patti Smith & Jesse Smith
Techung & the Lhasa Spirits
Vampire Weekend
Monks from the Drepung Gomang Monastery
We are expecting other artists to join the line-up soon.
Held at legendary Carnegie Hall since 1993, Philip Glass, the benefit's esteemed Artistic Director and Vice President of Tibet House, creates an exceptional show every year, highlighted by unique collaborations between the artists.
Please check www.tibethouse.org regularly as all new updates will be posted as soon as they are confirmed.
TECHUNG and the Lhasa Spirits
Techung studied at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA). He was born and grew up in the exile Tibetan community of Dharamsala, India. Techung presents a stunning blend of voices resounding from the past - this is where traditional folk meets the 21st century.
Techung is an astonishing singer and plays Damnyen (lute), Piwang (violin) and bamboo flute. His electric band, the Lhasa Spirits, includes Michel Tyabji on percussion, Kito Rodriguez on bass and Bryan Velasco on keyboards. Techung has opened for H.H. the Dalai Lama’s public talks and was recently detained for helping to hang banners on the Golden Gate Bridge.
UNDER AFRICAN SKIES EXHIBIT - VIDEO FROM KTLA - October 7, 2008
The "UNDER AFRICAN SKIES" exhibit in the MUZEO, Anaheim, features music from Limitless Sky Records.
Please see the video below, featuring Michel Tyabji performing on Mbira.
Techung Promo Videos - June 12, 2008
TECHUNG: TIBETAN SONGS OF LOVE & FREEDOM
Buddy Big Mountain comes to Limitless Sky! - May 23, 2008
Buddy Big Mountain is amongst the foremost ventriloquists in the World today. He was convinced by Henry Medicine Bear (composer on Dalai Lama Renaissance) to come to us for his upcoming album, "Have Skins, Will Travel".
The band, Wendell Snodgrasz and is Four Skins, features Windell P. Snodgrasz on lead vocals & Kazoo, Iron Horse on vocals & bass, Awesome Fox on vocals & drums and Buddy Big Mountain filing multiple roles - impresario, singer and default sidekick.
Henry Medicine Bear is on keys and doubles as head of security.
This was amongst the most out of control recording sessions we have ever been a part of. The Four Skins seem to have no bounds at all, keeping us on our toes for three days straight! We had to chase them out of the studio with a sharp broom because they refused to leave peacefully! Keep checking back for updates, more pictures and video.
We are sure this album will one of the funniest things you have ever herd!
Techung returns to the US - Penang World Music Festival is a fantastic success! - May 21, 2008
Techung just got back to the US from playing the Penang World Music Festival. Michel Tyabji (Limitless Sky Records) was impresario and played drums and percussion with Kito Rodriguez on bass and Bryan Valesco on keys and percussion. The show went off very well.
Techung had the 10,000 strong audience enthralled and completely under his spell. Keep checking back for pictures, press and video of the show.
Upcoming Album - Dalai Lama Renaissance Soundtrack - March 17, 2008
FEATURING WORDS OF WISDOM FROM HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA WITH NARRATION DONATED BY HARRISON FORD!
The Dalai Lama Renaissance Sound Track Album includes Sitar Master ROOP VERMA, traditional and contemporary Tibetan performer TECHUNG, Sufi devotional music from HEYRANEH, composer HENRY REID (from the group Manheim Steamroller), world-jazz fusion ensemble THE YOGINIS and Producer/percussionist MICHEL TYABJI. Guest musicians include tabla player Hemant Ekbote and bassonist Tyler Mazaika.
The album will feature selections of wisdom from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, taken from the documentary film, with narration by Harrison Ford.
The feature length documentary "Dalai Lama Renaissance" has made it to over 30+ film festivals worldwide, and has won 7 awards since June 2007. Currently still in the festival circuit, this feature docu will hit the cinemas in europe and North America in late 2008.
Please check back for this album and sign up for our mailing so we can keep you updated.
NDALA KASHEBA on AFRICAN GUITAR KINGS - January 11, 2008
AFRICAN GUITAR KINGS: New Compilation released by SHEER SOUND, South Africa!
“SHEER AFRICA: Tales of series...” gives you the best African Jams ever heard from the continent, indeed the world, combining repertoire from all over. The “Best of the Best”, the series features the biggest artists and songs only and focuses on territories, instruments, genres and concepts.
Check out the Sheer Sound website for more info: SHEER SOUND - SOUTH AFRICA
Ndala Kahseba included in "African Guitar Kings" - October 9, 2007
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NDALA KASHEBA Featured on the New Compilation AFRICAN GUITAR KINGS
“SHEER AFRICA: Tales of series...” gives you the best African Jams ever heard from the continent, indeed the world, combining repertoire from all over. The “Best of the Best”, the series features the biggest artists and songs only and focuses on territories, instruments, genres and concepts.
AFRICAN GUITAR KINGS: New Compilation released by SHEER SOUND, South Africa - For more details go to the Sheer Sound site: SHEER SOUND - SOUTH AFRICA
Ndala Kasheba: "Yellow Card"
YOUTUBE & MYSPACE: Limitless Sky Records - February 16, 2007
Join us on MYSPACE and add yourself as a FRIEND of Limitless Sky Records!
Check out our new page!
Watch Ndala Kasheba in interview clips taken in Dar es Salaam, 2001.
Urithi Arts Program - Video - February 13, 2007
The Urithi Arts Music Festival was a concert tour through three regions of Tanzania, which was free of charge for the people. Traditional and contemporary artists joined forces on stage for this incredible series of shows!!!
The Urithi Arts Program (Tanzania) was a project of Michel & Rosa Tyabji of Limitless Sky Records.
Urithi Arts Program recorded traditional music of Tanzania from 1998 to 2001. Here are some samples of the work produced.
See Ndala Kasheba's REFUGEES music video! - December 1, 2006
LSR to produce the score and do audio post for "Dalai Lama Renaissance" - November 27, 2006
Limitless Sky Records is currently in production of music for the upcoming feature documentary "Dalai Lama Renaissance".
Naby Camara to perform in Hollywood - August 7, 2006
The incredible balaphonist Naby Camara will be visiting the Limitless Sky Records studio in Los Angeles in August 2006. Part of his visit will be to give a concert at Hollywood and Highland, just a few meters away from the walk of fame!
Please click on the link below to view Naby Camara's website:
They will feature Kasheba on their web site as will as on the National Geographic web site in the World Music section.
WORLD LINK TV http://www.worldlinktv.org/
SUPPORT LINK TV BECAUSE THEY ARE THE ONLY TV STATION TO BRING INTERNATIONAL NEWS,VIEWS AND SOUNDS TO THE U.S. PUBLIC ON A DAILY BASIS!
Refugees has now been released as an E-CD, with 3 versions of the song Refugees and an acoustic version of his smash hit, Mpaka Manga.
You are able to watch the video in your PC, with Swahili, English and French subtitles included.
Ndala Kasheba lived for over 30 years of his life as a refugee. He fled Zaire for Tanzania in 1964. This song is dedicated to his children and to all the children of refugees worldwide.
This new release is the first since Kasheba's untimely departure from life at the early age of 59, in the year 2004.
Kasheba's intention is to raise awareness about the 19.2 million of us living as Refugees.
This video and song is also a reminder that Ndala Kasheba's spirit and memory lives on.
To watch the video please click on the link below. You will need QuickTime 7 software.
Yoginis EP - Available Aug 20th!!! - July 12, 2006
Look out for the Yoginis upcoming EP, "Songbird". This represents our first US based band.
Through the compositions of pianist Yogi McCaw, the Yoginis incorporate Jazz, Samba, Indian modes and Afro-Cuban rhythms to deliver and authentic fusion of cultures.
The Songbird EP will be available before August 1st, 2006 - the full album is in the final mixdown stage and should be available in 2007.
The Limitless Sky team (aka Sounds Ready @ http://www.soundsready.com )
did location sound, sound design and some music recording for the film Apart From That.
This feature length movie has been accepted into 5 of the top film festivals in the USA - SXSW - Seattle Intl. Film Festival - CineVegas! - Newport Beach Film Festival! and Jacksonville Intl. Film Festival!
In August it will make it's European debuit at the EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL http://www.edfilmfest.org.uk/
and then onto the rest of the world!!
Ndala Kahseba included in Rough Guide to Tanzania - March 17, 2006
Ndala Kasheba's "Nimlilie Nani?" included in WMN's ROUGH GUIDE TO TANZANIA
Ndala Kasheba's youngest son, Francis, has had his school fees paid for one year from the licensing of Kasheba's single "Nimlilie Nani?" to the WORLD MUSIC NETWORK for their compilation of Tanzanian Music: THE ROUGH GUIDE TO TANZANIAN MUSIC. Check it out! Income from the sales of these albums go straight to Kasheba's son, as was the Maestro's wish.
